Date: Sat, 22 Feb 97 14:13:06 EST
From: bgressler@ngltf.org
Subject: Explosion Rocks Gay Bar; NGLTF calls on Clinton and Reno
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NATIONAL GAY AND LESBIAN TASK FORCE
PRESS RELEASE
Contact:
Kerry Lobel 202/332-6484 x3307
Betsy Gressler pager 1-800-757-6476
2320 17th Street NW
Washington, DC 20009
ngltf@ngltf.org http://www.ngltf.org
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EXPLOSION ROCKS GAY BAR IN ATLANTA
Washington, DC., February 22, 1997. A pipe bomb covered withnails exploded in a
crowded Atlanta gay bar Friday night, injuring several people. A second pipe
bomb was found outside the establishment and was later detonated by police.
The attack comes at a time of increasing anti-gay rhetoric. At least one
anti-gay bill has been introduced each day in state legislatures thus far in
1997, according to a report recently released by NGLTF.
"As the extremist Right steps up its verbal and legislative assault,
violence against gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people is on the rise,"
said Kerry Lobel executive director of NGLTF. "What begins as rhetoric, can
often have tragic consequences."
Atlanta police said this bombing, the fourth to strike the city in seven
months, has similarities to a January double-bombing at an Atlanta abortion
clinic and the deadly July attack at the Olympic Games. All are thus far
unsolved.
"We encourage FBI and local law enforcement officials to do everything in
their power to solve these bombings," Lobel continued. "They are acts of
cowardice, that strike out against innocent bystanders. "
NGLTF has written to President Clinton, Attorney General Reno and FBI
Director Freeh, to alert them of the incident and call for their action.
"My purpose in writing you, Mr. President, is to echo concerns we have
voiced to you earlier about the rising rhetoric of hate in this country and its
devastating results," wrote executive director Kerry Lobel in a letter to the
President dated February 22. We ask you to speak out loudly against this crime,
as you did in double-bombing of the women's health clinic, deadly attacks at the
Olympic Games, and burnings of black and multi-racial churches. The time has
come for people of good will from all across America to speak out against hate
in our country."
In another letter to Attorney General Janet Reno, NGLTF's Lobel asked the
Department of Justice to closely monitor the situation, and, if necessary, lend
assistance to local law enforcement authorities "to ensure the collection of all
needed information to determine whether or not this was a hate crime."
Georgia civil rights and hate crimes laws do not include sexual orientation.
The state also has a same-gender sodomy law. According to executive director
Lobel, "Today we stand with Georgians who are working every day to fight against
discrimination and for their civil rights. Like them, we will not rest until
this bomber is brought to justice."
NGLTF urges anyone with information to call FBI and Bureau of Alcohol
Tobacco and Firearms hotline at 1-888-ATF-BOMB.
###
The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force is the oldest national gay and lesbian
group and is a progressive organization that has supported grassroots organizing
and pioneered in national advocacy since 1973. Since its inception, NGLTF has
been at the forefront of virtually every major initiative for lesbian and gay
rights. In all its efforts, NGLTF helps to strengthen the gay, lesbian,
bisexual and transgender movement at the state level while connecting these
activities to a national vision for change.
###
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